What We Do

We deliver high-quality, holistic services to people seeking asylum in Hong Kong, and build professional ecosystems that deliver high-quality services. We facilitate refugee participation and leadership, as a fundamental, cross-cutting approach to everything that we do.  

Our Approach

ASK legal team filling our forms with clients

Our work is grounded in the belief that a fair chance for refugees depends on both strong systems and strong communities. 

We strengthen the ecosystem along two interconnected tracks:

  • We enhance the capacity of lawyers and other professionals (including interpreters, mental health clinicians, social workers, community groups) to achieve the best outcomes for people seeking asylum, by providing trainings, case assistance, and practice resources. Our focus on building sector-wide capacity raises professional standards and expands access to high-quality, trauma-informed support. 

  • We collaborate with refugee-led groups and refugee leaders to foster peer education, mutual aid, and community advocacy. This ensures that displaced people are not only supported but also empowered to shape the systems and services that affect their lives.

While we work towards a stronger, more equitable ecosystem we continue to provide direct, holistic legal, welfare and mental health services, working hand-in-hand with pro bono lawyers, clinicians, and frontline organisations across Hong Kong. 

With over 15,800* people seeking asylum in Hong Kong, we help people who are in situations of heightened vulnerability or whose cases are complex and challenging, including survivors of torture, trafficked persons, survivors of gender-based violence, survivors of modern slavery, children, people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and stateless people.  

Building on nearly two decades of experience, ASK is trusted for our expertise, care and results. Our award-winning approach improves outcomes not only for individuals, but also for whole communities. 

*As of 31 Dec 2024, based on Access to Information data provided by the immigration department.

Programmes & Services

  • We provide direct services to refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants in Hong Kong SAR. Our holistic services enable timely, responsive access to information, representation, counselling, and social welfare.  

  • We offer CPD-accredited training and technical assistance to lawyers handling non-refoulement cases. We also offer professional development opportunities to mental health practitioners, interpreters, and other professionals supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

  • We support and work in partnership with Humanity Seekers, an initiative founded and led by a core group of refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong. We also run a community leadership programme for refugee youths, and train and partner with refugee paralegals to deliver community legal education.